Draw, scheduling helping Roger Federer

— -- Despite reaching the final of Rome two weeks ago, Roger Federer wasn't receiving a lot of attention coming into the French Open. Since then, however, the course of events has left him looking like much more of a title contender. Federer has won his first two matches, including a straightforward win against  Marcel Granollers on Wednesday. The legendary champion, though, still has to produce the goods. Here's a look at the reasons why his chances have improved:

1. The draw

As the No. 2 seed, Federer was assured of being on the other side of No.1-ranked Novak Djokovic, but the Swiss could have had both Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in his half of the draw. Instead, they are both in Djokovic's half, and Djokovic and Nadal are in the same quarter, which means whoever reaches the final will likely have had a tougher and potentially more exhausting journey than Fed.

Federer, meanwhile, has a potentially troublesome fourth-round matchup against Gael Monfils, who has defeated the Swiss on clay in their previous two matches. Federer could then face compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals, and after that, potentially either Kei Nishikori or Tomas Berdych in the semifinals. Each has had significant wins against Federer, but Switzerland's finest has beaten them more often, putting him in a good position to get through.

2. The conditions

Several players have noted the heavy, slow conditions so far at the tournament, especially on the stadium in which Federer plays most of his matches. "That court in particular, Philippe Chatrier, is very slow, extremely slow. I have never felt it like that before," said Murray, noting it was "very low bouncing, which is strange."

Said Djokovic: "It's a bit slippery. It seems there is more clay than usual, and it's a bit wet."

That is exactly the kind of court on which Federer won three Hamburg titles and collected one of his few wins against Nadal on clay, so it could be an advantage for Fed if things stay that way. The lower bounce favors him, too, and while slow conditions can be a bigger problem for Federer these days, his versatility should help him adjust his game to the unpredictable courts. It should be noted, however, that Federer won his second-round match against Granollers on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

3. His experience

Going into the tournament, Federer had played more matches at the French Open than anyone else and won more (61-15) than anyone except Nadal (66-1). Federer does not have the same pressure on him that Djokovic, who is going for his first French Open title, does, nor does he face the same scrutiny Nadal faces. "Experience helps in the sense that you're more relaxed," Federer said. "You know how you're going to prepare. Today it's enough for me to just focus on my game."

4. Fan interference 

Federer was expressly "not happy" when security allowed a fan to run on court for a picture with him following his opening-round victory. But perhaps that could be a sign of good luck. The previous time a spectator jumped on the court with Federer, in the 2009 French final against Robin Soderling, he won the tournament.

5. The scheduling

The oldest man still in the field, Federer could use all the extra rest he can get. Federer, who started play Sunday, is competing in a 15-day tournament. If Federer gets to the final, his opponent will have had to squeeze in more tennis toward the back end of the tournament. It's an advantage Federer could use, considering this is the most physically demanding major championship.